The last summer has demonstrated the consequences of climate change and global warming all too vividly for Germany and all of Europe. For instance, a prolonged drought has caused rivers to fall dry and is hindering national as well pan-European shipments well into December.
Plastics are an integral part of our everyday lives. Whether foil, cables or artificial leather - due to its diverse material properties, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) can be used in many different ways. Measured by its production volume, PVC is now the third most important plastic in the world after polyethylene and polypropylene. Nonetheless, the so-called soft PVC, which is frequently used for cable insulators, floor coverings or hoses, is increasingly subject to criticism.
Eating insects - many people still shudder when when hearing these words, or they're thinking of Thailand or Indonesia, where fried crickets and mealworms are sold on the streets. But since the "Novel Food Regulation" was implemented at the beginning of 2018, a growing number of food items containing insects has made it into several supermarkets across the EU.
Plants have many enemies and predators against which they have to defend themselves. Therefore, they have developed defense mechanisms against many different types of attack. However, it would bind far too many resources if all these mechanisms were permanently active. Ecologists from the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the University of Bern have now investigated such a case of resource management in maize, wheat and other plant species.
As useful as it may be, plastic has become a household-synonym for "environmental pollution": It is based on fossil fuels and releases large amounts of CO2 when broken down, thereby contributing significantly to global warming. Biobased plastics - or bioplastics for short - are often advertised as a sustainable alternative with a neutral carbon footprint.
Large quantities of fossil fuels are still used for the production of medicines, cosmetics or even food. However, such fossil-based raw material is not only finite, but also extremely harmful to the environment. That is why a number of chemists, process engineers and engineers are working towards a more environmentally friendly production by using enzymes and biobased processes.
Jasmine plants are known and loved for their bright white flowers and their fresh scent. This fragrance is based on the phytohormone jasmonic acid. The plant hormone bears its name because it was first discovered in the jasmine plant, but is also produced by other plants when they are eaten by insects or injured mechanically. The acid then causes a defensive reaction to protect the plant. Some species even transmit this acid signal via the air, in order to warn neighbouring plants.
Nuts have a long Christmas tradition. Walnuts and hazelnuts, either ground up or whole, are part of every Christmas bakery. The nuts are often difficult to crack, but delicious and decorative. Hence, long before the glittering baubles, nuts and apples adorned the Christmas tree. Today, they are valued for their many healthy nutrients and long shelf life and are mostly processed into food. However, researchers are convinced that their potential for biobased products is even greater.
The decision to phase out coal has been taken. Coal regions such as Lusatia and the Rhineland must realign their economies. With the "Structural Strengthening Act for Coal Regions", the German government is therefore supporting areas that are particularly affected by the coal phase-out. It is not only alternative energy sources that are being promoted here. Support is also provided for the development of new, particularly climate-efficient industries aimed at sustainable production methods and the creation of future-oriented jobs.
Next to cellulose, lignin is the most important plant raw material. Its structure-giving properties make the wood ingredient particularly interesting for the bioeconomy. The chemical industry in particular relies on lignin as a starting material for new bio-based plastics and materials. At present, however, the biopolymer is still used primarily for energy production. As a by-product of cellulose and bioethanol production, lignin has hardly been used so far due to its high sulfur content and has been burned instead.